I totally get where you’re coming from—the frustration with online carriers just sending canned responses is real. Paying a little extra for a local connection can be worth it, especially when you want someone who actually listens and gets why OEM parts matter. That said, it’s not always a guarantee. I’ve seen some local agents go above and beyond, and others… well, not so much. Sometimes it comes down to finding the right person, not just the right company. If you value face-to-face help, it’s usually worth the premium, but yeah, there’s always a bit of luck involved.
I hear you on the value of local agents, but honestly, I’ve had just as much luck (or lack of it) with the big online companies. Last year, my truck got sideswiped outside Cody, and the online rep actually called me back twice to check in—way more than the “local guy” I’d used before, who basically ghosted me after the claim was filed. Maybe it’s just a roll of the dice either way. I guess I’m a little skeptical about paying extra just for the hope of better service, but I get why some folks swear by it.
Maybe it’s just a roll of the dice either way.
Honestly, that’s been my experience too. Local or online, it’s hit or miss. I had a “local guy” once who acted like I was bothering him just asking questions. At least with the big companies, you can get someone on the phone 24/7… even if they’re in another state.
Yeah, I get that. It really does feel random sometimes. One thing I’ve found helpful is to actually walk into the local office if you can—face-to-face seems to get better results, at least for me. But yeah, the big companies do win on convenience, especially when you’re stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere Wyoming and need help fast. Local folks know the area better, but it’s a toss-up whether they’ll actually care.
I get where you’re coming from about the local offices, but honestly, I’ve had the opposite experience.
For me, those big companies have always come through faster—roadside assistance, claims, all of it. Local agents are nice enough, but sometimes their hours are limited or they’re just not set up for emergencies. I’d rather pay a bit less and know I can get someone on the phone 24/7, even if they’re not local. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw, but for my budget, national wins out.“the big companies do win on convenience, especially when you’re stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere Wyoming and need help fast.”
